Strachan pays Scholes tribute

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has lavished praise on Man Utd midfielder Paul Scholes.

Celtic are well placed to qualify from Group F but Strachan knows his side face a difficult game on Tuesday at home to the Premiership leaders.

Scholes has been in fine form for The Red Devils again this season and Strachan is amazed by the midfielder's consistency.

Strachan believes the 32-year-old has shown time and again that he has all the attributes to be ranked alongside the greatest ever United players.

"He can score goals, hit crossfield passes, play one-twos, beat people and win headers in the opponents' box," the Celtic boss explained.

"So if you take that whole package I don't think I've seen anybody as consistent - and he's been doing that for 10 or 11 years."

United defender Nemanja Vidic, meanwhile, is looking forward to playing against Celtic after being overlooked for the Old Trafford game in September.

"Celtic are a great club and I've heard that our matches are pure derbies. I cannot wait for that. The call of Glasgow is very strong for me," he enthused.

Vidic has earned rave reviews this season for his partnership with Rio Ferdinand, but he is still looking to improve.

The Serbian has been studying videos of Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister and is hoping that he and Ferdinand can emulate their success.

"I didn't get the chance to see Bruce and Pallister live but I have watched them on tape," he revealed.

"I know very well who they are and what they gave United. Everybody talks about Bruce and Pallister in superlatives and they deserve it.

"I want to be at the same level with Rio. It is a great honour that people are starting to compare us with them."